How to survive a long haul flight with a toddler!
Long-haul flights can be daunting, especially when traveling with a toddler. The thought of keeping your little one calm, entertained, and comfortable for hours on end may seem like an impossible task. However, fear not! With the right preparation and a few essential products, you can turn this potentially stressful journey into a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your toddler. In this blog post, we’ll explore eight invaluable tips and products we used ourselves to help survive a long-haul flight with your little adventurer.
We had so much fun travelling with our daughter, Florence… and hope to inspire other families to do the same! Florence was 18 months when we left and we totally recommend travelling at this age!
1. PuroQuiets – Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Airplanes can be noisy environments, which may overwhelm your toddler and make it challenging for them to relax or sleep. The PuroQuiets from PuroSoundLabs ANZ are a game-changer! These active noise-cancelling headphones are specially designed for children, ensuring their sensitive ears are protected while providing a quieter and more calming atmosphere. Your toddler can listen to their favourite music or watch their favourite shows (Peppa-pig) without being disturbed by the constant hum of the aircraft.
These headphones worked well with Florence as they had padding that made it comfortable to be worn, the size was perfect for her little head and there was an option to remove the wire and connect it with bluetooth – this meant she wasn’t playing with the wire and constantly pulling it out!
2. Pretty Childish Busy Book
Engaging your toddler’s imagination during the flight is crucial to keep them occupied. The Pretty Childish Busy Book is a fantastic tool for this purpose. Packed with interactive activities, games, and puzzles, this book will entertain and stimulate your toddler’s mind, making time fly faster for them.
Florence is now at an age where she is wanting to pull/stick, open zips, do up buttons – so this book was ideal to have on the plane to keep her very busy for longer periods.
3. Fidget Spinners
Simple yet effective, fidget spinners are a great way to divert your toddler’s attention and keep their hands busy. These small, portable toys can work wonders in preventing restlessness and boredom during the flight.
We got one that was able to be suctioned on the airplane tray or window. These fidget spinners were purchased online.
4. Lots of Snacks
Snacks are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping a toddler content during a long flight. Pack a variety of healthy and favorite treats to offer them at regular intervals. Snacking not only helps pass the time but also keeps their hunger at bay and can even help ease ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
We also found that all long haul flights had a snacks basket near the toilets that you were able to help yourself or on Cathay Pacific we had a special snack menu we could order from! Florence loved the two minute noodles in a pot!
5. Melissa & Doug: Water Wow Books
The Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books are a mess-free and captivating entertainment option for toddlers. These reusable water-reveal activity books allow your little one to “paint” with water using a special pen, providing hours of creative fun.
Brett and I loved this probably a bit more than Florence – Mess free is a big yes in our books!
6. Post-it Notes and Stickers
Post-it notes and stickers can be a delightful surprise for your toddler. Stick them on the tray table, seat, or even their hands (if they don’t mind) to engage them in playful exploration. These simple items can keep your child entertained and curious, encouraging their creativity.
7. SkyCouch Option with Air New Zealand
If you have the opportunity to fly with Air New Zealand, consider booking their SkyCouch option. The SkyCouch is a row of seats that can be transformed into a flat surface, essentially creating a small bed for your toddler to sleep or play on. This innovative feature can make the flight much more comfortable for both you and your little one.
As Air New Zealand is one of the only airlines that offer this option, this makes us more incline to fly with them. I don’t think I would ever fly long haul again without getting at least one leg with a sky couch! Florence was able to sleep for 8 hours comfortably and I (Bianca) had a pretty good sleep too! Poor Brett was on the third seat sitting up right as usual… but he didn’t mind!
8. Requesting a Bassinet for Your Baby/Toddler Under 2
For babies and younger toddlers, requesting a bassinet can be a game-changer. Bassinets are provided on many long-haul flights and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to rest during the journey. Be sure to reserve one in advance, as they are limited and often assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
We love the extra leg room that comes with these seats as we made a little play area on the floor for Florence to play in!
Surviving a long-haul flight with a toddler may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and essential products, it can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Remember to bring along PuroQuiets for noise-cancellation, Pretty Childish Busy Book and Fidget Spinners for entertainment, plenty of snacks, Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books, Post-it notes, and stickers for interactive fun. If flying with Air New Zealand, consider opting for the SkyCouch option, and for younger toddlers, request a bassinet for a more comfortable journey. Armed with these tips and products, you’ll be ready to embark on a stress-free and enjoyable adventure with your little one. Bon voyage!
Kiwis Off Course 
Leave a comment